Tolo's Photo Gallery

Tolo City Map

SOME WORDS

Set amidst extremely beautiful scenery, Tolo enjoys a sheltered position on the wide Gulf of Argolis on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Tolo is spread along 2 km stretch of sandy beach, protected by  two small  islands. Exquisite seascape, picturesque, countryside and a friendly village atmosphere have helped Tolo to become one of the most sought-after holiday destination of Greece.

A LOOK AT THE PAST

The modern history of Tolo oficially starts in 1830 with the creation of the Minoan community the footprints of the time lead us way back. This is how for the first time we find a written account on the bay of Tolo in Homer. In the Iliad the city of Assine and its well protected port is mentioned as one of the Greek cities which with its fleet took part in the expedition against the Troyans. Following the destiny of the cities of the wider region it faces the Dorian and the Dryopes , continuing of cultivating the land and building ships up to the 2nd Messenian War. Then after the alliance with Sparta who as an enemy of Argos, forcing the population to leave and take refuge in Methone in the southern of Peloponnese. 
So during the Byzantine years the city is revived as an auxiliary port of Nafplion and the place for the summer stroll of the inhabitants. During the Crusades Era and the break-up of Byzantine Empire (1204 A.C.) the region was well as the whole Peloponnese comes under Frank rule until 1389 A.C. when it is bought by the Venetians, which in 1540 A.C. turn the region over to the Turks. Tolo is used as a secondary naval station for the Venetian fleet.
With the Revolution of the Greek Nation in 1821, Nafplio is declared the first capital of the newly formed Greek State. In Tolo, land is given to refugees from crete who were trying to save themselves from the purging operation of the new conqueror, to whom the Turks transferred the island in return for this service to them. In 1834 with a Royal decree a city is founded at the port of Tolo named Minoa. After the liberation of Creta those of the refugees who remained in the area, formed a small pitoresque fishing village, which lived at its own peaces and in 1916 becomes the comunity of Tolo. 
From the middle of 20th century, given the natural beauty of the bay, the serenity of the lanscape and the neighbouring with important archaeological sires, Tolo changes and is transformed into a tourist summer resort.

WHAT TO SEE & DO

Tolo 11 km from Nafplion, is now a developed resort offering tourist a number of tavernas, hotels, watersports facilities and easy acces to Argos, Epidavros, Mycenae, Olympia, Sparti, Mystra, Monemvassia. Or cruise to the islands of  Hydra, Spetses, Poros or and other interesting destinations. Tolo has a less than atractive main street, but it does have some good shops, restaurants and cafes.
The reason that main street present an awkward front to arriving visitors lies in the fact that Tolo faces the beach. It does not have a waterfront promenade, and so what you are really seeing in the right street is the "backs" of the seafront houses, restaurants, cafes and hotels. This can make a wonderful holiday.
 Swimming is always good in Tolo, in the shallow waters off the beach. strong swimmers can swim to Romvi Island. But as the curent can be strong in mid channel, particulary in the afternoon you could take one of the pedaloes or join an excursion on Captain George's caique to one of the quieter beaches or many islands coves, or to the huge long sandy Plaka beach.
The village of Tolo is cosmopolitan resort, there are 70 places to eat and drink and some of the bars, tavernas are very good, and there are 3 discos
All watersports are available including banana and donuts rides! Boat tripes to many of the surrounding islands can be aranged on Magdalena or Pegasus, the resident excursion boats. Sea excursions include Hydra and Spetses as well as the mainland villages of Astros and magical Monemvasia. 
In July and August it is posible to arrange a visit to a live performance at the theatre of Epidavros, imagine Euripide or Verdi's Requiem in this setting! Performances are often by the Greek National Theatre company or other famous companies and orchestras.

GETTING THERE

12 km. from Nafplio, 157 km from Athena
Population 2.000
By Bus
There are at least a dozen busses a day to Nafplion from the Stathmos Leoforia Peloponisou in Athens, with a conecting service every hour to Tolo.
By Train
There are three trains a day from Athens to Nafplion where you can catch a bus on to Tolo.
By Car - From Athens - Corinth - Nemea - Mycenae - Argos - Nafplio.